A Gambler's Gambler

You never know what you're going to find at a rodeo.

I am a horseback rider who has actually competed in weekend rodeos in Arizona and New Mexico. My friends and I did it for the challenge, certainly not the money. I rode saddle broncos, competed in cowboy surfing events, and watched the Brahma bull riders. It was exciting, challenging and often dangerous. It was part of life.

While working as a reporter for the Phoenix Gazette, my editor assigned me to cover a rodeo in Scottsdale. Vic Thornton was my city editor and he remarked, almost casually, 'Are you a fan of James Caan, the actor?' I admitted I was.

'I saw him in 'The Godfather' and 'Brian's Song,' I said. 'He's good.'

Vic smiled. 'Well, he's also a calf roper and he'll be competing in the rodeo. He might be worth a story.'

That was how I met Caan.

He had the rugged good looks of a cowboy. He wore a white Stetson, jeans, western shirt and leather boots. In fact, we both had our boots shined by the same shoeshine guy on the rodeo grounds.

Caan talked briefly about his acting career. But it was clear to me his main interest was in the roping competition.

'I love it,' he said. 'I have always been a horseback riding and the roping came later. If I could earn half as much money playing rodeos rather than acting, I would do it in a heartbeat.'

Caan kept in shape by riding horses. He appeared in a memorable movie with John Wayne called 'El Dorado' and fit the role perfectly.

Born in the Bronx in New York, Caan attended Michigan State University. He developed an early interest in horses and his good looks won him an acting contract.

He started out in television appearing on many TV series including 'Ben Casey,' 'The Untouchables' and 'Dr. Kildaire.' From there his agent secured his roles in a growing number of feature films including ''The Glory Guys,' ''A Bridge Too Far,' 'The Rain People' and 'The Gambler,' a story about a compulsive gambler who wanted to lose.

Caan's father was a Jewish meat dealer who approved of his son's choice of careers.

As we had our boots shined in the rodeo arena, I admired Caan's hat and playfully offered to swap my hat for his. He thought about it and finally said, 'Nope. I'm comfortable with this one, but thank you.'

Caan and his friend Gene Hackman were big race car fans. They often attended the Jimmy Bryant 350-mile event in Phoenix and would meet the drivers before a race.

In his private life, Caan enjoyed playing blackjack and poker and was a frequent visitor to Las Vegas. I have talked to dealers who told me he was a skilled card player who won more than he lost.

At 77, Caan is in good physical condition, still acting, still riding horses and still competing as a calf roper in rodeos. He is a tribute to the American silver screen and has done a good job reaching the public with his roles. I tip my hat to him.